#FASHIONFILES! Taraji P. Henson in Rick Owens at the WHY DID I GET MARRIED AGAIN? Special Screening: IN or OUT?
We interrupt all of this film festival gownery we’ve been throwing at you in order to bring you a different sort of gownery. At the special screening of Why Did I Get Married Again, star Taraji P. Henson was clearly feeling the hell out of her choice of dress for the occasion. The question put to you: are you feeling it as much as she is?
She’s definitely selling the hell out of it and we love the Betty Boop hair and the gold manibut we’re gonna need y’all to make the final call on this one Is she IN or OUT?
Style Credits:
Rick Owens Black and White Distressed Rip-detail Gown
Styled by Kollin Carter | Hair by Tym Wallace | Makeup by Saisha Beecham | Nails by Temeka Jackson.
We interrupt all of this film festival gownery we’ve been throwing at you in order to bring you a different sort of gownery. At the special screening of Why Did I Get Married Again, star Taraji P. Henson was clearly feeling the hell out of her choice of dress for the occasion. The question put to you: are you feeling it as much as she is?
She’s definitely selling the hell out of it and we love the Betty Boop hair and the gold manibut we’re gonna need y’all to make the final call on this one Is she IN or OUT?
Style Credits:
Rick Owens Black and White Distressed Rip-detail Gown
Styled by Kollin Carter | Hair by Tym Wallace | Makeup by Saisha Beecham | Nails by Temeka Jackson.
#RHOA: See Porsha’s Stunning Diamond Necklace As She and Sway Celebrate a Major Anniversary
Porsha Williams and her girlfriend Patrice "Sway" McKinney have officially been dating for one year. The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th cast member has so much love for her girlfriend and is sharing a look inside their super romantic anniversary celebration.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member took to her Instagram account on Sept. 3, where she revealed that she and Sway had a "surprise 24-hour" trip to NYC, where they sported matching outfits. The adorable couple wore matching green sweatshirts and black leggings as they boarded a plane to NYC, where they explored, ate some delicious-looking food, and did some serious shopping for diamonds. "Surprise 24 hrs in NYC!! My baby Iced me out Omggg. I love you my baby. I LOVE IT HEREEEE. Yes, the matching fits were my idea," Porsha wrote in the caption of the photos and videos, along with the words "twin flame," "diamond princess," "spoiled," and "one year down forever to go."
Sway then took to the comments of the post, where she returned the love to Porsha. "Yeahhh baby. Diamonds for the Princess!" she wrote. "'Treat you like royalty just for your loyalty.' I love you!"
Porsha also took to her Instagram Story where she posted two photos from their jewelry shopping trip in NYC, where Sway bought her a two-tiered diamond necklace to match her own, similar necklace around her neck. "I love my surprise baby," Porsha wrote over the photo.
Porsha and Sway celebrated their anniversary in late August with the mom of one taking to Instagram to post the sweetest video tribute to her girlfriend. In the video, the couple can be seen kissing each other in restaurants, partying and dancing together, taking some impressive-looking vacations, and sharing so many special moments together. "Happy Anniversary Babyyyyy!" she wrote in the caption of the post. "8/22! I love you! Cheers to many more!"
Sway then took to the comments of the post, where she made a declaration about her future with Porsha. "Happy Anniversary my baby!" she wrote. "I love experiencing life with you. Let's keep going! I love you!!"
Patrice "Sway" McKinney and Porsha Williams attend 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Porsha found herself trying to choose between being in a relationship with Sway and Michael Anthony (also known as Mike Bless) during RHOA Season 17, as she was dating both throughout the season. But by the RHOA Season 17 finale, Porsha admitted to taking a step back from her relationship with Mike to pursue something more serious with Sway.
According to an end card from the finale, "Porsha and Sway are still going strong after 8 months, taking family vacations, and living their best lives! But despite the AI-generated rumors, her ring finger will still Go Naked."
The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member took to her Instagram account on Sept. 3, where she revealed that she and Sway had a "surprise 24-hour" trip to NYC, where they sported matching outfits. The adorable couple wore matching green sweatshirts and black leggings as they boarded a plane to NYC, where they explored, ate some delicious-looking food, and did some serious shopping for diamonds. "Surprise 24 hrs in NYC!! My baby Iced me out Omggg. I love you my baby. I LOVE IT HEREEEE. Yes, the matching fits were my idea," Porsha wrote in the caption of the photos and videos, along with the words "twin flame," "diamond princess," "spoiled," and "one year down forever to go."
Sway then took to the comments of the post, where she returned the love to Porsha. "Yeahhh baby. Diamonds for the Princess!" she wrote. "'Treat you like royalty just for your loyalty.' I love you!"
Porsha also took to her Instagram Story where she posted two photos from their jewelry shopping trip in NYC, where Sway bought her a two-tiered diamond necklace to match her own, similar necklace around her neck. "I love my surprise baby," Porsha wrote over the photo.
Porsha and Sway celebrated their anniversary in late August with the mom of one taking to Instagram to post the sweetest video tribute to her girlfriend. In the video, the couple can be seen kissing each other in restaurants, partying and dancing together, taking some impressive-looking vacations, and sharing so many special moments together. "Happy Anniversary Babyyyyy!" she wrote in the caption of the post. "8/22! I love you! Cheers to many more!"
Sway then took to the comments of the post, where she made a declaration about her future with Porsha. "Happy Anniversary my baby!" she wrote. "I love experiencing life with you. Let's keep going! I love you!!"
Patrice "Sway" McKinney and Porsha Williams attend 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Porsha found herself trying to choose between being in a relationship with Sway and Michael Anthony (also known as Mike Bless) during RHOA Season 17, as she was dating both throughout the season. But by the RHOA Season 17 finale, Porsha admitted to taking a step back from her relationship with Mike to pursue something more serious with Sway.
According to an end card from the finale, "Porsha and Sway are still going strong after 8 months, taking family vacations, and living their best lives! But despite the AI-generated rumors, her ring finger will still Go Naked."
#MusicNews: Wilson Pickett Estate Strikes Deal With Primary Wave Covering Publishing Catalog And Name, Image & Likeness Rights

Primary Wave Music has struck a partnership with the estate of Wilson Pickett.The agreement covers a stake in the late soul singer’s music publishing catalog, and will also see Primary Wave share in his name, image, and likeness rights.
Primary Wave announced the deal on Wednesday (September 2). Financial terms were not disclosed.
The estate will gain access to Primary Wave‘s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, with the two sides working on new marketing, branding, digital, and sync opportunities, as well as film and television projects.
Pickett‘s best-known recordings include In the Midnight Hour, which he co-wrote, plus his versions of Mustang Sally and Land of 1000 Dances.
Pickett, who died on January 19, 2006, at the age of 64, recorded more than 50 songs that reached the US R&B charts, many of which crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100.
“Promoting my brother’s incredible legacy has not just been a responsibility; it has been a labor of absolute love,” said Max Pickett, the singer’s brother. “Wilson poured his soul into every lyric, leaving us a musical inheritance that belongs to the world.
“Since his passing, it has been my sacred mission to ensure that his voice continues to echo for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to partner with Primary Wave – stewards who truly understand the weight of his history and the timeless power of his sound.
“Together, we are keeping the Wicked Pickett‘s fire burning bright.”
“Primary Wave is honored to partner with Max Pickett and the Pickett family to help preserve and expand the legacy of one of the most influential artists in music history,” said David Weitzman, Partner at Primary Wave.
“Wilson Pickett was a once in a generation talent, an iconic soul singer, electrifying performer, and one of the defining voices of American music.
“His remarkable body of work, created alongside legendary collaborators including Jerry Wexler, the Stax Records team, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Gamble & Huff, helped shape the sound of soul and R&B for generations.
“We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and ensure that his legacy continues to reach new audiences for years to come.”
In the Midnight Hour, which Pickett co-wrote with Steve Cropper, was released as a single in 1965 and reached No.1 on the R&B chart and No.21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The record sold more than a million copies and earned a Grammy nomination, according to Primary Wave.
Primary Wave acquired Cropper‘s publishing catalog in 2016, putting the company on both sides of that song’s writer credit.
Mustang Sally, released in 1966, reached No.6 on the R&B chart and No.23 on the Hot 100, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000.
Land of 1000 Dances, also issued in 1966, became Pickett‘s third R&B No.1 and reached No.6 on the Hot 100 – his highest pop chart placing.
That single sold more than a million copies, according to Primary Wave.
Songs written by Pickett have been recorded by acts including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Booker T. & The MGs, Genesis, Los Lobos, and Bruce Springsteen, the company said.
The five-time Grammy nominee was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
He received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1993, entered the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005, and was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The deal is the latest in a run of catalog and name, image, and likeness partnerships for the Larry Mestel-led company.
In June, Primary Wave struck a deal with the estate of Donna Summer covering her catalog, her recordings, and her name, image, and likeness rights.
In July, it partnered with Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones, in an agreement covering his publishing and recording catalogs, plus the band’s name, image, and likeness and its touring.
Those deals landed during a period of expansion for Primary Wave, whose acquisition of Kobalt closed on July 7 in a transaction worth around USD $1.5 billion.
The company closed its fourth flagship music fund at $2.225 billion in April, exceeding both its $1.5 billion target and its $2 billion hard cap.
Primary Wave, which describes itself as the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world, was founded by Mestel in 2006.
Its portfolio spans rights in the music of Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Smokey Robinson, among others.

Primary Wave Music has struck a partnership with the estate of Wilson Pickett.The agreement covers a stake in the late soul singer’s music publishing catalog, and will also see Primary Wave share in his name, image, and likeness rights.
Primary Wave announced the deal on Wednesday (September 2). Financial terms were not disclosed.
The estate will gain access to Primary Wave‘s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, with the two sides working on new marketing, branding, digital, and sync opportunities, as well as film and television projects.
Pickett‘s best-known recordings include In the Midnight Hour, which he co-wrote, plus his versions of Mustang Sally and Land of 1000 Dances.
Pickett, who died on January 19, 2006, at the age of 64, recorded more than 50 songs that reached the US R&B charts, many of which crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100.
“Promoting my brother’s incredible legacy has not just been a responsibility; it has been a labor of absolute love,” said Max Pickett, the singer’s brother. “Wilson poured his soul into every lyric, leaving us a musical inheritance that belongs to the world.
“Since his passing, it has been my sacred mission to ensure that his voice continues to echo for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to partner with Primary Wave – stewards who truly understand the weight of his history and the timeless power of his sound.
“Together, we are keeping the Wicked Pickett‘s fire burning bright.”
“Primary Wave is honored to partner with Max Pickett and the Pickett family to help preserve and expand the legacy of one of the most influential artists in music history,” said David Weitzman, Partner at Primary Wave.
“Wilson Pickett was a once in a generation talent, an iconic soul singer, electrifying performer, and one of the defining voices of American music.
“His remarkable body of work, created alongside legendary collaborators including Jerry Wexler, the Stax Records team, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Gamble & Huff, helped shape the sound of soul and R&B for generations.
“We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and ensure that his legacy continues to reach new audiences for years to come.”
In the Midnight Hour, which Pickett co-wrote with Steve Cropper, was released as a single in 1965 and reached No.1 on the R&B chart and No.21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The record sold more than a million copies and earned a Grammy nomination, according to Primary Wave.
Primary Wave acquired Cropper‘s publishing catalog in 2016, putting the company on both sides of that song’s writer credit.
Mustang Sally, released in 1966, reached No.6 on the R&B chart and No.23 on the Hot 100, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000.
Land of 1000 Dances, also issued in 1966, became Pickett‘s third R&B No.1 and reached No.6 on the Hot 100 – his highest pop chart placing.
That single sold more than a million copies, according to Primary Wave.
Songs written by Pickett have been recorded by acts including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Booker T. & The MGs, Genesis, Los Lobos, and Bruce Springsteen, the company said.
The five-time Grammy nominee was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
He received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1993, entered the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005, and was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The deal is the latest in a run of catalog and name, image, and likeness partnerships for the Larry Mestel-led company.
In June, Primary Wave struck a deal with the estate of Donna Summer covering her catalog, her recordings, and her name, image, and likeness rights.
In July, it partnered with Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones, in an agreement covering his publishing and recording catalogs, plus the band’s name, image, and likeness and its touring.
Those deals landed during a period of expansion for Primary Wave, whose acquisition of Kobalt closed on July 7 in a transaction worth around USD $1.5 billion.
The company closed its fourth flagship music fund at $2.225 billion in April, exceeding both its $1.5 billion target and its $2 billion hard cap.
Primary Wave, which describes itself as the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world, was founded by Mestel in 2006.
Its portfolio spans rights in the music of Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Smokey Robinson, among others.
#HipHopNews: Azealia Banks Questions Black Solidarity With Palestine Before Latest Show In Israel
Azealia Banks questioned why Black people support Palestine, as she heads to Tel Aviv, while Macklemore faces backlash for his pro-Palestine stance,
Azealia Banks is heading back to Tel Aviv on October 8 for another performance, and the timing couldn’t be more loaded given what’s happening in Hip-Hop right now.
The Harlem rapper is returning to the stage in Israel, and according to Ynet News, she’s already in the country working with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel on new music.
This move comes as the Hip-Hop community’s split wide open over Palestine, with some artists taking hard stances and others like Banks refusing to budge on her controversial position.
Last October, Banks performed at Tel Aviv’s Amphitheater draped in an Israeli flag and wearing a Star of David necklace before thousands.
She’s claimed she lost hundreds of thousands of dollars refusing to say “Free Palestine” at European festivals, then turned around and called herself a Zionist, citing anti-Black racism in the Arab world as her reasoning.
Now she’s back, and she’s not apologizing for any of it. Meanwhile, Macklemore’s catching heat for doing the exact opposite.
The Seattle rapper opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and wore a keffiyeh while shouting “Free Palestine” to 80,000 people.
He performed “Hind’s Hall” with Gaza footage playing behind him, accusing Israel of apartheid and genocide.
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding they drop him from the rest of the tour. Banks had thoughts about that too.
“I thought macklemore was jewish is he not? Either way he probably has a big ol dick shetl dick,” Banks said in response to his activism.
She went further, questioning the entire framework of Black solidarity with Palestine.
“Its really the joint struggle of black solidarity with palestine that just doesnt really sit right with me. Why would any modern black american want to trauma bond with a group that has nothing to offer us and weve spent no time building anything with?”
Over 400 artists have joined the “No Music for Genocide” boycott, removing their music from Israeli streaming platforms, creating a cultural pressure that’s impossible to ignore.
Tickets for Banks’ October 8 show are priced at 229 shekels, and she’s already sold out previous performances there.
Azealia Banks questioned why Black people support Palestine, as she heads to Tel Aviv, while Macklemore faces backlash for his pro-Palestine stance,
Azealia Banks is heading back to Tel Aviv on October 8 for another performance, and the timing couldn’t be more loaded given what’s happening in Hip-Hop right now.
The Harlem rapper is returning to the stage in Israel, and according to Ynet News, she’s already in the country working with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel on new music.
This move comes as the Hip-Hop community’s split wide open over Palestine, with some artists taking hard stances and others like Banks refusing to budge on her controversial position.
Last October, Banks performed at Tel Aviv’s Amphitheater draped in an Israeli flag and wearing a Star of David necklace before thousands.
She’s claimed she lost hundreds of thousands of dollars refusing to say “Free Palestine” at European festivals, then turned around and called herself a Zionist, citing anti-Black racism in the Arab world as her reasoning.
Now she’s back, and she’s not apologizing for any of it. Meanwhile, Macklemore’s catching heat for doing the exact opposite.
The Seattle rapper opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and wore a keffiyeh while shouting “Free Palestine” to 80,000 people.
He performed “Hind’s Hall” with Gaza footage playing behind him, accusing Israel of apartheid and genocide.
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding they drop him from the rest of the tour. Banks had thoughts about that too.
“I thought macklemore was jewish is he not? Either way he probably has a big ol dick shetl dick,” Banks said in response to his activism.
She went further, questioning the entire framework of Black solidarity with Palestine.
“Its really the joint struggle of black solidarity with palestine that just doesnt really sit right with me. Why would any modern black american want to trauma bond with a group that has nothing to offer us and weve spent no time building anything with?”
Over 400 artists have joined the “No Music for Genocide” boycott, removing their music from Israeli streaming platforms, creating a cultural pressure that’s impossible to ignore.
Tickets for Banks’ October 8 show are priced at 229 shekels, and she’s already sold out previous performances there.
Tenisha Warner is making moves in court to protect her daughter’s future, and the legal battle with her late husband’s mother just got more complicated.
The widow of the “Cosby Show” star is now claiming his mother sold a valuable California property that was supposed to go to their family, and she’s not backing down.
According to TMZ, new legal documents show Tenisha insists her husband never intended to exclude her or their daughter, MacKenzie, from his estate, but his mother, Pamela Warner, had other plans.
The Studio City home that Malcolm owned when he passed away in July 2025 was sold in May 2026 for $1.6 million, and Tenisha claims the proceeds went straight into the family trust instead of staying in the family’s hands.
She’s arguing that Malcolm wanted MacKenzie to have the house where she built her most important memories with her father, not a cash settlement buried in legal documents.
Tenisha says the property held real meaning for their daughter, and losing it feels like another loss on top of everything else.
The tension between Tenisha and Pamela goes way deeper than just real estate, though.
Tenisha disputes Pamela’s claims that she refused to settle the estate dispute, saying she only rejected what she calls unfair pressure and manipulative tactics.
Pamela offered Tenisha and MacKenzie a Georgia home as a substitute, but the property comes with a $700,000 mortgage, which Tenisha says isn’t a real solution for her daughter’s future.
She also claims Pamela stopped using Malcolm’s estate funds to cover her monthly bills, leaving her in financial hardship after she put her career on hold to support Malcolm during his lifetime.
Tenisha filed suit against Pamela, asking the court to add MacKenzie to the trust, but Pamela went around her and made a settlement deal directly with MacKenzie’s court-appointed guardian instead.
That settlement will provide MacKenzie with millions, but Tenisha’s still fighting because she believes the original arrangement Malcolm intended would’ve been better for everyone.
The family drama centers on disputes over a prenuptial agreement and a $2.4 million retirement plan meant to secure Tenisha.
Malcolm died on July 20, 2025, at age 54 after accidentally drowning in Costa Rica while on vacation with his family, caught in a rip current at Playa Cocles in Limón Province.
The legal filings reveal that Tenisha married Malcolm in 2017, and they had one daughter together before his tragic death.
Pamela Warner’s legal team has yet to respond to these latest allegations about the property sale and the financial disputes.
The widow of the “Cosby Show” star is now claiming his mother sold a valuable California property that was supposed to go to their family, and she’s not backing down.
According to TMZ, new legal documents show Tenisha insists her husband never intended to exclude her or their daughter, MacKenzie, from his estate, but his mother, Pamela Warner, had other plans.
The Studio City home that Malcolm owned when he passed away in July 2025 was sold in May 2026 for $1.6 million, and Tenisha claims the proceeds went straight into the family trust instead of staying in the family’s hands.
She’s arguing that Malcolm wanted MacKenzie to have the house where she built her most important memories with her father, not a cash settlement buried in legal documents.
Tenisha says the property held real meaning for their daughter, and losing it feels like another loss on top of everything else.
The tension between Tenisha and Pamela goes way deeper than just real estate, though.
Tenisha disputes Pamela’s claims that she refused to settle the estate dispute, saying she only rejected what she calls unfair pressure and manipulative tactics.
Pamela offered Tenisha and MacKenzie a Georgia home as a substitute, but the property comes with a $700,000 mortgage, which Tenisha says isn’t a real solution for her daughter’s future.
She also claims Pamela stopped using Malcolm’s estate funds to cover her monthly bills, leaving her in financial hardship after she put her career on hold to support Malcolm during his lifetime.
Tenisha filed suit against Pamela, asking the court to add MacKenzie to the trust, but Pamela went around her and made a settlement deal directly with MacKenzie’s court-appointed guardian instead.
That settlement will provide MacKenzie with millions, but Tenisha’s still fighting because she believes the original arrangement Malcolm intended would’ve been better for everyone.
The family drama centers on disputes over a prenuptial agreement and a $2.4 million retirement plan meant to secure Tenisha.
Malcolm died on July 20, 2025, at age 54 after accidentally drowning in Costa Rica while on vacation with his family, caught in a rip current at Playa Cocles in Limón Province.
The legal filings reveal that Tenisha married Malcolm in 2017, and they had one daughter together before his tragic death.
Pamela Warner’s legal team has yet to respond to these latest allegations about the property sale and the financial disputes.
Bilal Faces Disturbing Abuse Allegations From Mother Of His Son
Bilal Oliver confronted grave claims from Jamila Raegan as a private family conflict involving their adult child spilled into public view.
Bilal is facing song deeply personal abuse allegations. This is serious. We are only adding it to the rumors since it’s very verified as fact. The claims are reason.
Jamila Raegan, the R&B singer’s child’s mother, accused him of mistreatment while saying she struggles to care exclusively for their adult son with disabilities. I saw this several time and now we see it has gone viral.
Raegan, the mother of Bilal Oliver’s son Bashir, made the accusations in an emotional social media post in which she said she had protected the Grammy-winning artist for more than half of her life.
“I’m not okay. I’m not okay because I’ve spent over half of my life protecting an ab*s*r. His name is Bilal Oliver aka bilalmusic.”
The accusation represents a serious turn in a family story Bilal has previously discussed publicly through the lens of fatherhood and Bashir’s autism. Raegan’s account presents a far more troubling picture of what she says has happened away from public view.
Raegan said Bashir is now an adult who has multiple disabilities including autism and bipolar disorder.
She also alleged that the responsibility for his care currently rests solely with her, not the famous singer.
“I am caring for him alone while his father continues to live his life in complete disregard. I am suffering.”
Raegan did not provide additional details in the material presented about the alleged abuse including specific incidents or when the alleged conduct occurred. Her claims have not been independently verified and there’s no way for AllHipHop to verify the allegations.
Her message focused heavily on the emotional and physical burden she says she is carrying while caring for Bashir. She credited relatives, friends and members of her community with helping her through the situation.
“I love and appreciate them so much, but today I feel myself in a different place.”
Raegan closed the message with an especially stark assessment of her condition.
“I am breaking. I am not okay.”
Now, there’s a development. On a post by The Jasmine Brand, Bilal commented.
“Wow. This is so sad,” he said.
What are ya’ll thinking.
Bilal has discussed his son’s autism publicly and has spoken about the influence fatherhood has had on his music. Those earlier reflections now have Raegan painting a dramatically different portrait of their family circumstances.
There is an important distinction between an allegation and an established fact. Based on the information available, Raegan’s claims have not been independently substantiated and no evidence establishing the accusations has been presented here.
Bilal stays out of the way generally. This is uncharacteristic messiness. Stay tuned.
Bilal is facing song deeply personal abuse allegations. This is serious. We are only adding it to the rumors since it’s very verified as fact. The claims are reason.
Jamila Raegan, the R&B singer’s child’s mother, accused him of mistreatment while saying she struggles to care exclusively for their adult son with disabilities. I saw this several time and now we see it has gone viral.
Raegan, the mother of Bilal Oliver’s son Bashir, made the accusations in an emotional social media post in which she said she had protected the Grammy-winning artist for more than half of her life.
“I’m not okay. I’m not okay because I’ve spent over half of my life protecting an ab*s*r. His name is Bilal Oliver aka bilalmusic.”
The accusation represents a serious turn in a family story Bilal has previously discussed publicly through the lens of fatherhood and Bashir’s autism. Raegan’s account presents a far more troubling picture of what she says has happened away from public view.
Raegan said Bashir is now an adult who has multiple disabilities including autism and bipolar disorder.
She also alleged that the responsibility for his care currently rests solely with her, not the famous singer.
“I am caring for him alone while his father continues to live his life in complete disregard. I am suffering.”
Raegan did not provide additional details in the material presented about the alleged abuse including specific incidents or when the alleged conduct occurred. Her claims have not been independently verified and there’s no way for AllHipHop to verify the allegations.
Her message focused heavily on the emotional and physical burden she says she is carrying while caring for Bashir. She credited relatives, friends and members of her community with helping her through the situation.
“I love and appreciate them so much, but today I feel myself in a different place.”
Raegan closed the message with an especially stark assessment of her condition.
“I am breaking. I am not okay.”
Now, there’s a development. On a post by The Jasmine Brand, Bilal commented.
“Wow. This is so sad,” he said.
What are ya’ll thinking.
Bilal has discussed his son’s autism publicly and has spoken about the influence fatherhood has had on his music. Those earlier reflections now have Raegan painting a dramatically different portrait of their family circumstances.
There is an important distinction between an allegation and an established fact. Based on the information available, Raegan’s claims have not been independently substantiated and no evidence establishing the accusations has been presented here.
Bilal stays out of the way generally. This is uncharacteristic messiness. Stay tuned.
'Why Did I Get Married Again?’ brings returning stars and franchise newcomers together for star-studded LA screening
As if we weren’t already excited enough for Why Did I Get Married Again?, the cast and a handful of celebrity guests gave us even more reason to tune in at the Los Angeles screening on Tuesday (Sept. 8) night.
There was plenty to take in on the red carpet, especially with the main cast reuniting more than 15 years after the previous installment brought everyone together in New York. This time around, Tyler Perry, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, and more gathered at Los Angeles’ Harmony Gold Preview House for the occasion.
The night also marked the first time we’d seen several of the franchise’s newcomers together off-screen, perhaps most notably Taraji P. Henson, along with Da’Vinchi, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Jaden Michael, just to name a few. Not to mention, our “Love Island USA” Season 8 favorites Kuman “KC” Chandler and Tierra “Titi” Davis wound up being two of the evening’s biggest surprises.
What Taraji P. Henson, Tasha Smith, and more women wore to the ‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’ screening
As if we weren’t already excited enough for Why Did I Get Married Again?, the cast and a handful of celebrity guests gave us even more reason to tune in at the Los Angeles screening on Tuesday (Sept. 8) night.
There was plenty to take in on the red carpet, especially with the main cast reuniting more than 15 years after the previous installment brought everyone together in New York. This time around, Tyler Perry, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, and more gathered at Los Angeles’ Harmony Gold Preview House for the occasion.
The night also marked the first time we’d seen several of the franchise’s newcomers together off-screen, perhaps most notably Taraji P. Henson, along with Da’Vinchi, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Jaden Michael, just to name a few. Not to mention, our “Love Island USA” Season 8 favorites Kuman “KC” Chandler and Tierra “Titi” Davis wound up being two of the evening’s biggest surprises.
What Taraji P. Henson, Tasha Smith, and more women wore to the ‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’ screening
The ladies didn’t disappoint on the red carpet, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Eva Marcille and Crystle Stewart took on the sheer trend with two absolutely gorgeous gowns, while Smith showed a little skin with cutouts along the sides of her black dress. Henson, on the other hand, wore a black-and-white Rick Owens number.
Alleged Fake 49er Scammer Daejon Love Ordered To Pay Over $10K After Accuser Says She Used Facebook Group To Help Track Him Down
One woman who says she was scammed by alleged fake San Francisco 49ers player Daejon Love went as far as creating a Facebook group of his alleged victims to help track him down.
Gwendolynn Rose Herndon sued Love in Oregon small claims court in March 2025, seeking $10,000 after claiming she handed over money for what he presented as an investment opportunity.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Herndon said she sent Love $7,000 through Apple Pay before he personally accompanied her to a bank, where she withdrew another $3,000 in cash.
Finding Love to formally serve him with the lawsuit allegedly became another challenge.
Herndon claimed in a filing that Love had no permanent residence and “purposefully stays in hotels & Airbnbs to evade justice.” She said he blocked her phone number and social media accounts, prompting her to contact one of his former girlfriends and launch a Facebook group with other alleged victims in hopes of locating him.
She later requested permission to serve Love electronically through Instagram and text messages. The court ultimately awarded Herndon slightly more than $10,000.
Love is now facing federal allegations that he posed as a 49ers player and wealthy investor while allegedly scamming 26 women across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California out of approximately $1.3 million.
One woman who says she was scammed by alleged fake San Francisco 49ers player Daejon Love went as far as creating a Facebook group of his alleged victims to help track him down.
Gwendolynn Rose Herndon sued Love in Oregon small claims court in March 2025, seeking $10,000 after claiming she handed over money for what he presented as an investment opportunity.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Herndon said she sent Love $7,000 through Apple Pay before he personally accompanied her to a bank, where she withdrew another $3,000 in cash.
Finding Love to formally serve him with the lawsuit allegedly became another challenge.
Herndon claimed in a filing that Love had no permanent residence and “purposefully stays in hotels & Airbnbs to evade justice.” She said he blocked her phone number and social media accounts, prompting her to contact one of his former girlfriends and launch a Facebook group with other alleged victims in hopes of locating him.
She later requested permission to serve Love electronically through Instagram and text messages. The court ultimately awarded Herndon slightly more than $10,000.
Love is now facing federal allegations that he posed as a 49ers player and wealthy investor while allegedly scamming 26 women across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California out of approximately $1.3 million.
The Beyhive’s bank accounts are about to bee feeling the sting.
Two decades after the release of her second album B’Day, Beyoncé dropped a limited-edition merchandise collection on her 45th birthday to celebrate the anniversary, including one unusual item that costs nearly $1000.
Indeed, alongside common merch items like T-shirts and hoodies, the Grammy winner's surprise Sept. 4 drop included a wooden box with nothing inside on her official online store.
Yes, you read that right. According to Beyoncé’s website, the “Bey Keeper Collector’s Box”—of there are only an exclusive 500 for sale—consists of an 18 x 14-inch empty light wooden crate with an attached pleather strap.
And it doesn’t come cheap. After all, the limited-edition boxes are being sold for $948.01, the specific cost undoubtedly referring to Beyoncé’s birthday of Sept. 4, 1981.
Despite the hefty price tag, the crate, dubbed an “essential piece of art for the hive," does have both a special meaning and an intended use.
“Inspired by the beauty of traditional beekeeper crates,” the description on the “Crazy in Love” singer’s website reads, “this limited-edition collector’s box is designed to house and display your Beyoncé vinyl collection.”
Each crate—which does not come with any vinyls—is “handcrafted from solid pine wood, finished with beeswax oil, lined in deep green velvet, and fitted with a faux gator-skin leather carrying strap with gold hardware,” per the description.
Additionally, the boxes feature “custom engraved details,” including Beyoncé’s name on one side and an engraved bee on top.
Unsurprisingly, fans had many thoughts about the expensive collector’s item. After the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer—mom to daughter Blue Ivy, 14, and 9-year-old twins Rumi and Sir with husband Jay-Z—debuted the crate on Instagram with an ad-like video, social media users weighed in on its high price tag, sharing hilarious remarks in the comments section.
As one user wrote, “That box better come with a hard drive that has the Formation Tour footage, Renaissance Film, Act I & II Visuals, Act III advance copy, and a digital rendering of her rebuilt knee joints.”
Meanwhile, another Beyhive member pointed out that Beyoncé, according to a December report from Forbes, recently achieved a financial milestone.
“Beyonceeeeee you’re a billionaire, not us,” the person wrote. “Happy B’Day though!”
Two decades after the release of her second album B’Day, Beyoncé dropped a limited-edition merchandise collection on her 45th birthday to celebrate the anniversary, including one unusual item that costs nearly $1000.
Indeed, alongside common merch items like T-shirts and hoodies, the Grammy winner's surprise Sept. 4 drop included a wooden box with nothing inside on her official online store.
Yes, you read that right. According to Beyoncé’s website, the “Bey Keeper Collector’s Box”—of there are only an exclusive 500 for sale—consists of an 18 x 14-inch empty light wooden crate with an attached pleather strap.
And it doesn’t come cheap. After all, the limited-edition boxes are being sold for $948.01, the specific cost undoubtedly referring to Beyoncé’s birthday of Sept. 4, 1981.
Despite the hefty price tag, the crate, dubbed an “essential piece of art for the hive," does have both a special meaning and an intended use.
“Inspired by the beauty of traditional beekeeper crates,” the description on the “Crazy in Love” singer’s website reads, “this limited-edition collector’s box is designed to house and display your Beyoncé vinyl collection.”
Each crate—which does not come with any vinyls—is “handcrafted from solid pine wood, finished with beeswax oil, lined in deep green velvet, and fitted with a faux gator-skin leather carrying strap with gold hardware,” per the description.
Additionally, the boxes feature “custom engraved details,” including Beyoncé’s name on one side and an engraved bee on top.
Unsurprisingly, fans had many thoughts about the expensive collector’s item. After the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer—mom to daughter Blue Ivy, 14, and 9-year-old twins Rumi and Sir with husband Jay-Z—debuted the crate on Instagram with an ad-like video, social media users weighed in on its high price tag, sharing hilarious remarks in the comments section.
As one user wrote, “That box better come with a hard drive that has the Formation Tour footage, Renaissance Film, Act I & II Visuals, Act III advance copy, and a digital rendering of her rebuilt knee joints.”
Meanwhile, another Beyhive member pointed out that Beyoncé, according to a December report from Forbes, recently achieved a financial milestone.
“Beyonceeeeee you’re a billionaire, not us,” the person wrote. “Happy B’Day though!”
N.O.R.E. Accused of Sexual Assault by Carmen Bryan, Who Says She Stopped Jay-Z From Confronting Him
N.O.R.E. is facing a civil lawsuit in New York accusing him of sexually assaulting Carmen Bryan, an entrepreneur who has a child with Nas.
The 20-page complaint reviewed by Complex describes an alleged incident that took place at a crowded Manhattan nightclub in 1999 where the rapper (born Victor Santiago) was promoting his sophomore album.
“He approached her while visibly intoxicated. He did so without invitation, permission, or consent,” reads the lawsuit, noting that Bryan did not “invite” the rapper to touch her nor had she “consented to any sexual contact.”
“What began as an unwanted approach immediately became a sexual assault. In the thick of a crowded nightclub, with music pounding, bodies moving, and patrons close enough to see, Santiago forced himself onto Ms. Bryan,” the lawsuit continued. “Santiago forcibly grabbed intimate areas of Ms. Bryan’s body in full public view. Using significant physical force, Santiago seized Ms. Bryce, bypassed her undergarments, and committed an act of non-consensual digital penetration. He did so in the presence of Ms. Bryan’s friends and other nightclub patrons.”
Bryan claims that N.O.R.E. ignored her repeated pleas to stop, but she was allegedly “overpowered” by the rapper. She also alleges that he only stopped “after third parties intervened.”
After Bryan and her friends left the nightclub, N.O.R.E. and two acquaintances allegedly followed them outside while making crude comments and saying, "Don't you know who I am?"
From there, Bryan claims that N.O.R.E. recognized and her and immediately apologized once he saw her "under the clarity of the streetlights."
"Carm, I didn't know it was you," the rapper allegedly said. "You're always doing something different with your hair."
Elsewhere in the complaint, Bryan claims she disclosed the purported assault to Jay-Z, who allegedly “threatened to confront” N.O.R.E. personally. However, she supposedly insisted that he not act on her behalf out of fear of “escalation.”
A few weeks after the alleged assault, at a private Father's Day and birthday celebration for their daughter held at the home Bryan shared with Nas, Bryan claims N.O.R.E approached her alone in the kitchen and apologized again, supposedly reiterating he didn't realize it was her.
Bryan claims that the news of Cassie Ventura's civil lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs triggered her trauma, causing her severe insomnia, appetite loss, and made her seek weekly therapy for flashbacks.
In March 2026, Bryan says she sent formal pre-suit settlement notices with a response deadline of May 1. N.O.R.E. allegedly "denied knowing" Bryan, leading her to pursue her lawsuit.
In a statement shared with Complex, Bryan's attorneys said N.O.R.E. "acted with a blatant disregard for her dignity, safety, and bodily autonomy."
"Immediately following the assault, after being confronted under the streetlights outside the venue, Santiago claimed he did not know who she was when he grabbed her, stating in substance, 'Carm, I didn’t know it was you'—a reaction he later repeated. When formal legal notice was served, his response was to claim that he did not know her at all," read the statement.
"This shifting defense exposes a disturbing reality: the implication that a woman’s bodily integrity only matters if her name or identity is recognized. It forces us to ponder the countless nameless women who have been subjected to similar assault, battery, and public humiliation in male-dominated entertainment spaces.
"No woman signs up to be assaulted. The assertion that an assault is excusable—or simply did not happen—because a perpetrator failed to recognize his victim strips women of their fundamental humanity," the statement continued. "Ms. Bryan is coming forward not only to demand accountability for the lasting trauma and public humiliation inflicted upon her, but to challenge the culture of entitlement that treats women's bodies as collateral damage."
Bryan demands a jury trial and is seeking unspecified compensatory, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
N.O.R.E. is facing a civil lawsuit in New York accusing him of sexually assaulting Carmen Bryan, an entrepreneur who has a child with Nas.
The 20-page complaint reviewed by Complex describes an alleged incident that took place at a crowded Manhattan nightclub in 1999 where the rapper (born Victor Santiago) was promoting his sophomore album.
“He approached her while visibly intoxicated. He did so without invitation, permission, or consent,” reads the lawsuit, noting that Bryan did not “invite” the rapper to touch her nor had she “consented to any sexual contact.”
“What began as an unwanted approach immediately became a sexual assault. In the thick of a crowded nightclub, with music pounding, bodies moving, and patrons close enough to see, Santiago forced himself onto Ms. Bryan,” the lawsuit continued. “Santiago forcibly grabbed intimate areas of Ms. Bryan’s body in full public view. Using significant physical force, Santiago seized Ms. Bryce, bypassed her undergarments, and committed an act of non-consensual digital penetration. He did so in the presence of Ms. Bryan’s friends and other nightclub patrons.”
Bryan claims that N.O.R.E. ignored her repeated pleas to stop, but she was allegedly “overpowered” by the rapper. She also alleges that he only stopped “after third parties intervened.”
After Bryan and her friends left the nightclub, N.O.R.E. and two acquaintances allegedly followed them outside while making crude comments and saying, "Don't you know who I am?"
From there, Bryan claims that N.O.R.E. recognized and her and immediately apologized once he saw her "under the clarity of the streetlights."
"Carm, I didn't know it was you," the rapper allegedly said. "You're always doing something different with your hair."
Elsewhere in the complaint, Bryan claims she disclosed the purported assault to Jay-Z, who allegedly “threatened to confront” N.O.R.E. personally. However, she supposedly insisted that he not act on her behalf out of fear of “escalation.”
A few weeks after the alleged assault, at a private Father's Day and birthday celebration for their daughter held at the home Bryan shared with Nas, Bryan claims N.O.R.E approached her alone in the kitchen and apologized again, supposedly reiterating he didn't realize it was her.
Bryan claims that the news of Cassie Ventura's civil lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs triggered her trauma, causing her severe insomnia, appetite loss, and made her seek weekly therapy for flashbacks.
In March 2026, Bryan says she sent formal pre-suit settlement notices with a response deadline of May 1. N.O.R.E. allegedly "denied knowing" Bryan, leading her to pursue her lawsuit.
In a statement shared with Complex, Bryan's attorneys said N.O.R.E. "acted with a blatant disregard for her dignity, safety, and bodily autonomy."
"Immediately following the assault, after being confronted under the streetlights outside the venue, Santiago claimed he did not know who she was when he grabbed her, stating in substance, 'Carm, I didn’t know it was you'—a reaction he later repeated. When formal legal notice was served, his response was to claim that he did not know her at all," read the statement.
"This shifting defense exposes a disturbing reality: the implication that a woman’s bodily integrity only matters if her name or identity is recognized. It forces us to ponder the countless nameless women who have been subjected to similar assault, battery, and public humiliation in male-dominated entertainment spaces.
"No woman signs up to be assaulted. The assertion that an assault is excusable—or simply did not happen—because a perpetrator failed to recognize his victim strips women of their fundamental humanity," the statement continued. "Ms. Bryan is coming forward not only to demand accountability for the lasting trauma and public humiliation inflicted upon her, but to challenge the culture of entitlement that treats women's bodies as collateral damage."
Bryan demands a jury trial and is seeking unspecified compensatory, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
Are Anthony Mackie & Southern Charm’s Venita Aspen Dating? What We Know About the New Romance Rumors


Anthony Mackie and Venita Aspen are sparking dating rumors after spending time together at the 2026 U.S. Open!
The 47-year-old Avengers actor and the 32-year-old Southern Charm star were both in attendance at the tennis tournament in New York City, where their interactions caught the attention of fans.
Romance speculation began after Anthony and Venita were spotted together at the U.S. Open and appeared alongside each other in a video shared by Deuxmoi from the event.
The two appeared comfortable while chatting together at the event, leading some fans to wonder whether there might be something romantic going on between them.
However, Anthony and Venita have not confirmed that they’re dating, and there is currently no definitive evidence that they’re anything more than friends.
Venita previously dated musician Manny Houston, with their relationship featured on Southern Charm. The pair split after more than two years together, and she later opened up about navigating life after their breakup. Venita was then romantically linked to Summer House star Carl Radke, and she confirmed they were going on dates and getting to know each other in early 2026.
Anthony, meanwhile, has largely kept his romantic life private. He was previously married to his childhood sweetheart Sheletta Chapital, with whom he shares four children. The former couple quietly divorced in 2018. He was spotted kissing a mystery woman last year.
For now, it looks like fans will have to wait and see whether Anthony Mackie and Venita Aspen are simply friends or if there’s something more going on between them.
The 47-year-old Avengers actor and the 32-year-old Southern Charm star were both in attendance at the tennis tournament in New York City, where their interactions caught the attention of fans.
Romance speculation began after Anthony and Venita were spotted together at the U.S. Open and appeared alongside each other in a video shared by Deuxmoi from the event.
The two appeared comfortable while chatting together at the event, leading some fans to wonder whether there might be something romantic going on between them.
However, Anthony and Venita have not confirmed that they’re dating, and there is currently no definitive evidence that they’re anything more than friends.
Venita previously dated musician Manny Houston, with their relationship featured on Southern Charm. The pair split after more than two years together, and she later opened up about navigating life after their breakup. Venita was then romantically linked to Summer House star Carl Radke, and she confirmed they were going on dates and getting to know each other in early 2026.
Anthony, meanwhile, has largely kept his romantic life private. He was previously married to his childhood sweetheart Sheletta Chapital, with whom he shares four children. The former couple quietly divorced in 2018. He was spotted kissing a mystery woman last year.
For now, it looks like fans will have to wait and see whether Anthony Mackie and Venita Aspen are simply friends or if there’s something more going on between them.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch is leaving amid tensions with Trump
Lonnie G. Bunch III will step down as head of the sprawling Smithsonian Institution by the end of the year, he said Tuesday.
He will depart at a vulnerable time for the institution, which includes dozens of museums, along with libraries, research centers and the National Zoo. While the Smithsonian has traditionally operated independently of the party in power, the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized how the institution portrays America’s past. Last week, the Interior Department threatened to cut off support, alleging that Smithsonian facilities present a “radical ideology” that weakens “shared American identity.”
Bunch, who has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years, said in a statement that his retirement came “with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude.”
“I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been,” said Bunch, who became secretary in 2019. “There is no place like the Smithsonian — it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together.”
A person familiar with the situation told NBC News there was no pressure from the regents — the board that leads the museums — for Bunch to resign.
Bunch, the first Black person and first historian to lead the institution, has said he would have retired a year ago but felt he had to stay to defend the institution from the White House attacks, the person said.
He told friends after he saw last week’s letter from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that he believed now was the time to step down and assist in the transition to new leadership, the person said.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch in a statement.
“From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian’s top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story,” Roberts said.
“The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership. We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.”
The person familiar with the situation said that the regents are forming a search committee and considering inside candidates to lead the Smithsonian during the transition and that Bunch told them he would stay on for three or four months to ease the changeover.
President Donald Trump took aim at the Smithsonian shortly after beginning his second term, issuing an executive order in March 2025 that directed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “improper, divisive, or anti-American” ideology from the museum’s programs.
“Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” the order said. “This shift has promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive,” it alleged.
Because of his position as vice president, Vance is a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, whose other members include Roberts, members of Congress and members of the public.
In August last year, Trump wrote on social media that he’d also asked “my attorneys” to conduct a review of Smithsonian museums, because they’re focused too much on “how bad Slavery was.”
“The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” he wrote in the Truth Social post.
Vance criticized Bunch’s leadership at a regents meeting several months ago, two people who attended the meeting told NBC News.
In an interview taped last week with PBS Newshour that aired Tuesday night, Bunch pushed back on Trump administration officials arguing the institution was politically biased.
“I think the most important thing to remember is that the Smithsonian is not a place driven by left-wing crazy people. It’s really a place driven by people who love a nation,” Bunch said.
Bunch also said, “We haven’t changed anything for political pressure.”
The White House continued its attacks on the institution on Independence Day. As the country was celebrating its 250th anniversary, the White House Domestic Policy Council issued a report blasting Smithsonian leaders as radical activists who cannot be trusted.
“The Smithsonian Institution, and the National Museum of American History in particular, under its current leadership and current interpretive ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic,” the report said.
In an unrelated interview that aired the next day on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bunch said, “The notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me.”
“America’s greatest strength, it’s not running away from its history, but it’s understanding how that history shaped us and continues to shape us,” he said
He will depart at a vulnerable time for the institution, which includes dozens of museums, along with libraries, research centers and the National Zoo. While the Smithsonian has traditionally operated independently of the party in power, the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized how the institution portrays America’s past. Last week, the Interior Department threatened to cut off support, alleging that Smithsonian facilities present a “radical ideology” that weakens “shared American identity.”
Bunch, who has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years, said in a statement that his retirement came “with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude.”
“I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been,” said Bunch, who became secretary in 2019. “There is no place like the Smithsonian — it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together.”
A person familiar with the situation told NBC News there was no pressure from the regents — the board that leads the museums — for Bunch to resign.
Bunch, the first Black person and first historian to lead the institution, has said he would have retired a year ago but felt he had to stay to defend the institution from the White House attacks, the person said.
He told friends after he saw last week’s letter from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that he believed now was the time to step down and assist in the transition to new leadership, the person said.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch in a statement.
“From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian’s top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story,” Roberts said.
“The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership. We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.”
The person familiar with the situation said that the regents are forming a search committee and considering inside candidates to lead the Smithsonian during the transition and that Bunch told them he would stay on for three or four months to ease the changeover.
President Donald Trump took aim at the Smithsonian shortly after beginning his second term, issuing an executive order in March 2025 that directed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “improper, divisive, or anti-American” ideology from the museum’s programs.
“Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” the order said. “This shift has promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive,” it alleged.
Because of his position as vice president, Vance is a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, whose other members include Roberts, members of Congress and members of the public.
In August last year, Trump wrote on social media that he’d also asked “my attorneys” to conduct a review of Smithsonian museums, because they’re focused too much on “how bad Slavery was.”
“The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” he wrote in the Truth Social post.
Vance criticized Bunch’s leadership at a regents meeting several months ago, two people who attended the meeting told NBC News.
In an interview taped last week with PBS Newshour that aired Tuesday night, Bunch pushed back on Trump administration officials arguing the institution was politically biased.
“I think the most important thing to remember is that the Smithsonian is not a place driven by left-wing crazy people. It’s really a place driven by people who love a nation,” Bunch said.
Bunch also said, “We haven’t changed anything for political pressure.”
The White House continued its attacks on the institution on Independence Day. As the country was celebrating its 250th anniversary, the White House Domestic Policy Council issued a report blasting Smithsonian leaders as radical activists who cannot be trusted.
“The Smithsonian Institution, and the National Museum of American History in particular, under its current leadership and current interpretive ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic,” the report said.
In an unrelated interview that aired the next day on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bunch said, “The notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me.”
“America’s greatest strength, it’s not running away from its history, but it’s understanding how that history shaped us and continues to shape us,” he said
T-Pain is back in court against the label that once saved his career, and this time the stakes are about a settlement that apparently didn’t stick.
The Atlanta rapper filed suit against Konvict Entertainment on Friday, claiming the company owes him nearly half a million dollars in royalties that should’ve been paid out months ago.
According to the AJC, the $489,047 dispute stems from a $1.3 million payment the label received from a distributor at the end of March, money that T-Pain says he’s entitled to under his original 2005 recording deal.
This isn’t T-Pain’s first rodeo with Akon’s label. He sued them back in 2018, and they settled that case in 2025. But now T-Pain’s alleging that Konvict Entertainment is in breach of both that settlement agreement and the original contract from over two decades ago.
The label’s apparently been holding onto his money instead of cutting him a check, and T-Pain’s had enough of waiting around.
The backstory makes this even more complicated.
Back in 2005, T-Pain was broke and desperate. He turned down $900,000 signing bonuses from major labels like Interscope to take a $20,000 deal with Akon’s Konvict Muzik.
He believed in the vision, believed in Akon, and sacrificed serious money to build something together.
He even wrote “I’m Sprung” for Akon first, but Akon rejected the track. T-Pain ended up recording it himself and it became a massive hit.
Now, over twenty years later, T-Pain’s still fighting to get paid what he’s owed.
The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Superior Court, and it’s the second time he’s had to sue the label.
This pattern of unpaid royalties has followed T-Pain across multiple deals and entities, but the Konvict situation cuts deeper because of the history and the sacrifice he made early on.
According to the AJC, T-Pain claims the label failed to honor the terms they agreed to, and he’s seeking the full amount owed.
Konvict Entertainment has not yet responded to the lawsuit or the allegations.
The Atlanta rapper filed suit against Konvict Entertainment on Friday, claiming the company owes him nearly half a million dollars in royalties that should’ve been paid out months ago.
According to the AJC, the $489,047 dispute stems from a $1.3 million payment the label received from a distributor at the end of March, money that T-Pain says he’s entitled to under his original 2005 recording deal.
This isn’t T-Pain’s first rodeo with Akon’s label. He sued them back in 2018, and they settled that case in 2025. But now T-Pain’s alleging that Konvict Entertainment is in breach of both that settlement agreement and the original contract from over two decades ago.
The label’s apparently been holding onto his money instead of cutting him a check, and T-Pain’s had enough of waiting around.
The backstory makes this even more complicated.
Back in 2005, T-Pain was broke and desperate. He turned down $900,000 signing bonuses from major labels like Interscope to take a $20,000 deal with Akon’s Konvict Muzik.
He believed in the vision, believed in Akon, and sacrificed serious money to build something together.
He even wrote “I’m Sprung” for Akon first, but Akon rejected the track. T-Pain ended up recording it himself and it became a massive hit.
Now, over twenty years later, T-Pain’s still fighting to get paid what he’s owed.
The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Superior Court, and it’s the second time he’s had to sue the label.
This pattern of unpaid royalties has followed T-Pain across multiple deals and entities, but the Konvict situation cuts deeper because of the history and the sacrifice he made early on.
According to the AJC, T-Pain claims the label failed to honor the terms they agreed to, and he’s seeking the full amount owed.
Konvict Entertainment has not yet responded to the lawsuit or the allegations.
Netflix’s Sean Combs Documentary Wins Emmy For Outstanding Editing
The Netflix documentary series Sean Combs: The Reckoning won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program, recognizing the editing team behind the episode titled "Blink Again."
The award honored editors Charles Divak, Evan Wise, Jack Gravina, Benji Kast, Adam Goldstein, Jonathan Miller, and Jeremy Siefer for their exceptional work weaving together complex narratives and archival footage to create a gripping portrayal of Sean Combs’ life. The documentary, directed by Alexandria Stapleton, also received nominations for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.
50 Cent, who served as an executive producer on the series, shared on Instagram that while he acknowledged the Emmy win, he did not view it as a personal victory but expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment and referenced his GreenLightGang collective.
The documentary explores the multifaceted career of Sean Combs, his influence on hip-hop culture, controversies including allegations against him, and the events leading up to his 2024 arrest and subsequent federal trial. The series sparked renewed public discussion about the longstanding rivalry between 50 Cent and Combs, though 50 Cent emphasized the film’s focus on accountability rather than personal attacks.
The Emmy win highlights the documentary’s skillful editing, which balanced extensive interviews, archival material, and legal developments to present a layered story. This recognition also enhances 50 Cent’s growing reputation as a television producer beyond his music career, marking a significant milestone for the Netflix series.
The Netflix documentary series Sean Combs: The Reckoning won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program, recognizing the editing team behind the episode titled "Blink Again."
The award honored editors Charles Divak, Evan Wise, Jack Gravina, Benji Kast, Adam Goldstein, Jonathan Miller, and Jeremy Siefer for their exceptional work weaving together complex narratives and archival footage to create a gripping portrayal of Sean Combs’ life. The documentary, directed by Alexandria Stapleton, also received nominations for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.
50 Cent, who served as an executive producer on the series, shared on Instagram that while he acknowledged the Emmy win, he did not view it as a personal victory but expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment and referenced his GreenLightGang collective.
The documentary explores the multifaceted career of Sean Combs, his influence on hip-hop culture, controversies including allegations against him, and the events leading up to his 2024 arrest and subsequent federal trial. The series sparked renewed public discussion about the longstanding rivalry between 50 Cent and Combs, though 50 Cent emphasized the film’s focus on accountability rather than personal attacks.
The Emmy win highlights the documentary’s skillful editing, which balanced extensive interviews, archival material, and legal developments to present a layered story. This recognition also enhances 50 Cent’s growing reputation as a television producer beyond his music career, marking a significant milestone for the Netflix series.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Local store has a piece of advice
Always remember: if you see someone stealing from Wal-Mart, no you didn’t.
Always remember: if you see someone stealing from Wal-Mart, no you didn’t.AND NOW Meet:
It's! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
























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